I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help or am scared.

Kids, 5 to 12 years old

I will drink reduced-fat milk and water most days. Soda and fruit drinks are only for special times.

I will take care of my skin by putting on sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to remember to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.

I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!

I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.

I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.

I’ll try to be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends by asking them to join activities such as sports or games.

I will tell an adult about bullying that I see or hear about to do what I can to help keep school safe for everyone.

I will keep my personal info safe and not share my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without asking my parent if it is okay.

I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.

I promise that I’ll do my best to follow our household rules for video games and internet use.

Kids, 13 years old and older

I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day. I will drink sodas only at special times.

I will do my best to take care of my body through fun physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods.

When I have some down time for media, I will try to choose educational, high-quality non-violent TV shows and video games that I enjoy. I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities. I promise to respect out household rules for video games and internet use.

I will do what I can to help out in my community. I will give some of my time to help others, working with community groups or others that help people in need. These activities will make me feel better about myself and my community.

When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend.

When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.

When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied or making risky choices, I will look for a trusted adult so that we can attempt to find a way to help.

I will be careful about whom I choose to date. I will treat the other person with respect and not force them to do something they do not want to do. I will not use violence. I will expect to be treated the same way in return.

Kansas News

TFI Family Services, Inc. would like to welcome Ericka Jobe, LMSW as our new Foster Care Supervisor in the Wichita office. She will be supervising the foster care staff in the Wichita and Garden City areas. Ericka comes to us with several years of experience in school settings, behavioral health and child welfare positions. Most recently Ericka worked for Kansas Children’s Services League in their Adopt Kansas Kids Program. Ericka and her family reside in Park City, Kansas. Ericka looks forward to getting to know the families we serve in her coverage areas by getting out to local offices and support meetings.

Kansas Care Provider of the Month

Congratulations to Kristopher and Becky Smilko. This amazing foster family has gone above and beyond to take care of a child who is medically fragile. Not only have they made sure to make it to all of the many medical appointments, they have accepted the sibling into their home to keep the children together. We appreciate the Smilkos so much! Well deserved January Kansas Care Provider of the Month.

Additionally, listed below are a few activities that could be useful to help teach a child to control impulses and movements, emotional responses and actions, and practicing good sportsmanship.1. Freeze Dance – Have a dance party with a small group of kids or family members and tell everyone that when you stop the music, they must hold very still. The first person to move is eliminated for the next round. The winner is the last one dancing.

2. Traffic lights – One kid plays traffic cop and turns to face a wall. The other kids start at the other side of the room—or if they’re outdoors, at a starting line. When the traffic cop shouts “Green!” the kids can advance. If the traffic cop shout “Red!” the kids have to stop, and the cop gets to turns around and see if everyone obeys. If they catch any kid still moving, they can send them back to the start line. The winner is the first person to cross the room (or yard) and tag the traffic cop.

3. Musical chairs – Set out enough chairs in a row, alternating facing front and back, for every player—minus one. Play music and have kids walk or dance around the chairs. When the music stops, they must make a beeline for the closest chair. Each round, the player who doesn’t manage to grab a seat is eliminated, until just one winning player remains.

4. Orchestra – Give kids percussion instruments to tap and wave and have them follow one kid at the front, who is playing conductor, with a baton in hand (a pen, ruler or stick will do). The conductor sets the tempo and everyone must speed up and slow down accordingly. Kids will learn to control their body movements to create a harmonious sound together.

5. Jenga – This stacking game requires a steady hand and careful planning of movements. The frustration of losing is softened by the fun of seeing the tower fall, so it’s an especially good one to use to help turn a sore loser into a good sport.

Please read the article and answer the following questions:

True or False Children’s brains develop only through the process of co-regulation.

What is the example used to describe a child’s brain that “DO, DO, DO?”

What does a child need of self-regulating that has a history of toxic stress or complex trauma?

If your child cant do well with self-regulating, what do they need more of?

My child needs more in order to be regulated enough to be OK.

If you want to learn about a few tips about trauma and to help regulate you can watch this short video.

Recruiting Moment

The TFI Recruitment Department would love to wish everyone a very happy 2020 ! Our goal is to make this year the best recruitment year for TFI we have ever seen. We have recently hired a Recruitment Supervisor out of our Wichita, KS. Please join me in welcoming Lisa McDaniel to our staff. Lisa comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in working with children and families and we look forward to what she can bring to our department. If you would like to reach Lisa, please email her at [email protected].

Once again over the last year, 2019 showed us that our foster parents are our best resource for recruiting families. Overall, almost 40 percent of our new families referred and licensed by TFI came from YOU! Please make sure that you continue to be a part of our Ambassador Program and take advantage of the benefits with that program. Our recruiters across all the states we cover will be working with our new supervisor to include YOU, our foster parents, in more recruitment events this year. So, our challenge to you is for each foster family to recruit ONE new family in 2020. That is over 600 NEW families to care for our kids.

Every time you make a purchase on Amazon, TFI Family Services can earn money and participating does NOT increase the price you pay for your purchases. Visit smile.amazon.com or click the picture above and select TFI Family Services to support youth in foster care.

Every time you make a purchase at Dillons, TFI Family Services can earn money. Please visitdillons.com/communityrewards or click the picture above and select TFI Family Services as your nonprofit to support youth in foster care.

Amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19), TFI remains dedicated to strengthening families. As always, our top priority is the safety and health of our employees, and the children and families we serve. Please continue to check our website and social media for any updates about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on TFI and the children and families we serve.